Decision

The Economic Development Committee has approved £50,000 funding for a Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme in Clitheroe, Longridge, and Whalley.

Analysis

outcome: The Committee approved £50,000 funding for the scheme, with grants allocated to eligible businesses for shop front improvements.

summary: The decision at stake is the approval of funding for a Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme for independent businesses in Clitheroe, Longridge, and Whalley.

topline: The Economic Development Committee has approved £50,000 funding for a Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme in Clitheroe, Longridge, and Whalley.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the allocation of public funds and potential impact on the visual appearance of town centres.

affected_stakeholders: ["Independent businesses in Clitheroe, Longridge, and Whalley", "Local residents and visitors to the town centres"]

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.ribblevalley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1291

Decision Maker: Economic Development

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report for Committee to consider applications received into the Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme.   At Economic Development Committee on 12th June 2025, Committee approved £50,000 funding to be used for a Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme whereby independent businesses in the eligible centres could apply for a grant of up to £5,000 with 30% match funding to improve the visual appearance of their shop front, provided their shop fell within the defined main centres of Clitheroe, Longridge and Whalley (as defined within the Housing and Economic Development DPD Proposals Map).   65 expressions were received of which 48 were with in the town centre boundaries. The call for applications had been temporarily closed as the interest in the grant was far in excess of funding allocated. Eligible businesses who responded were invited to complete a full application by 15 August 2025, details of which were provided in the report for Member’s consideration.   Member were pleased to approve the grants which had applied to date and also discussed potential funding to extend the scheme. Committee discussed the number of empty units in town centres. It was hoped that the shop front grant scheme may encourage new businesses to open in Ribble Valley’s towns however Members wanted to explore further initiatives and obtain an understanding of what may attract people into town.     RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:   1.     Approved the following schemes supported from the Council’s Shopfront Improvement Grant scheme:     Applicant Grant Funding 1.       15 King Street, Clitheroe  £1,197 2.       19 Berry Lane, Longridge £4,295 3.       13 Moor Lane, Clitheroe £5,000 4.       31 King Street, Whalley £2,577 5.       3 Market Place, Clitheroe £5,000 6.       33 King Street, Whalley £5,000 7.       14 Moor Lane, Clitheroe         £1,928 8.       5 Wellgate, Clitheroe £5,000 9.       8 – 10 Wellgate, Clitheroe £5,000 10.    51 Moor Lane, Clitheroe £3,006 11.    33 Castle Street, Clitheroe £5,000 Total £43,003     2.     Reinvited eligible businesses who had responded to the call for applications to complete a full application.  

Date of Decision: September 4, 2025